The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) has pledged to support Malawi develop capacity for implementation of its development plans.
For 25 years, the foundation has been implementing capacity building skills in various African countries. ACBF Director of Research, Knowledge, Monitoring and Evaluation, Thomas Munthali, said capacity deficits remain a significant challenge facing African countries in their quest for sustainable development.
He said the deficits continue to prevent the continent from implementing its development strategies and policies effectively.
“In helping Malawi, ACBF proposes to support high-level tripartite dialogue between the private sector, training institutions and the government around how to develop capacity for developing the critical technical skills necessary for meeting the country’s development goals,” said Munthali.
He said the capacity development includes support towards STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and vocational skills which President Peter Mutharika already is championing.
“The Foundation also plans to support Malawi to devise strategies for capacity retention and mobilising diaspora capacity to support the country’s development agenda, inter alia.
“ACBF is planning for the launch of its Strategy in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire from June 31 to July 1, 2016. This will be an important event where African governments and development partners will make pledges towards its 2017-2021 strategy,” he said.
Munthali further said in 2014, ACBF approved a $1 million grant for the Malawi Public Policy Research and Analysis Project which became effective in February 2016.
“The overall goal of the project is to enhance effectiveness and relevance of public policies in Malawi and to ensure that Malawi’s sectorial strategies are aligned to the existing long-term development strategy called Malawi Growth and Development Strategy-II.
“The project is a reflection of Malawi Government’s renewed commitment to sound macroeconomic policies and good governance. It recognises that evidence-based policy research and formulation is one way of addressing the challenges the country faces,” he said.
Munthali said the project is planned for a period of two years up to the end of 2017 and the total budget allocated is $1.4 million of which US$1 million is provided by ACBF and the remainder will be contributed by the government of Malawi as co-financing in kind and in cash.
“The project will support the establishment of a semi-autonomous policy research and analysis center synchronised with the National Planning Commission to be established by the government during 2016,” said Munthali.
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